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Re: Potential

Hey Michael,

Happy New Year to you too! Great to have an update, but it sounds a little ominous...
I hope these inquiries from two different people aren't something to worry about. However, I'll just have to wait and find out.
Glad everything is going well for you. I hope your enjoying the summer.....it's feaking cold up here...lol

Re: Potential

The road trip passed in a blur as mad March slipped away. The team won more games than expected taking some great scalps among them Clemson and Stanford, but, at the cusp of making the NCAA final 16 fell to the brilliance of Duke. Alex despite his breathtaking brilliance had played his last game as a college athlete. The team arrived home late at night, tired, and anxious for home comfort and familiar beds. The players and coaches euphoria, from having played so many great games, was replaced by the inevitable drop in energy into sheer exhaustion. Alex didn’t remember getting home, didn’t recall Jason undressing him and just fell back onto the bed stark naked, he was fast asleep in seconds. Jason undressed quickly then crawled naked across Alex’s body and snuggled close sharing the heat of their bodies and drifted off to a well earned slumber of his own.
Despite being the early riser Jason slept late (for him) and stepped out of bed at 8:00 am. He hurried out to the supermarket and returned with two paper shopping bags of supplies. Just before 9:00 Alex woke to the delicious smell of coffee and freshly baked bread rolls, accompanied with delicious fresh fruits in a bowl topped with yoghurt and cereal, and the widest smile on the planet.
Although still tired, Alex had a full day of catch up tutorials. He had to eat quickly then hurry off to courses. Jason on the other hand had missed calls to attend to from his cell. He chose the easiest one first and text messaged Tom Beavis back in Piper’s Point regarding arrangements he was in the process of making.
Next he replayed three curious messages. There was no point in delaying any further so he pressed the call back option to respond to the first missed call.
Two rings later a voice answered with an efficient “Landon Legal this is Beverley speaking how may I help you?”
“Um hello” stumbled Jason “this is Jason Smyth … is there a … well I’m returning a call from John Howard.”
“Just a moment sir, I’ll see if Mr Howard is available.”
“Ok sure”
After a very short pause John Howard spoke on the phone “Jason” he rolled of his tongue in an overly familiar tone as though he was an intimate acquaintance “how are you?”
If the tone was an attempt intended to create familiarity then it did not succeed! Jason was tired, wary and on guard.
Ignoring the attempted familiarity Jason came to the point “It seems you have been trying to contact me …”
“We have, my boy, we have indeed.”
“and …” interjected Jason a little annoyed at the choice of “boy”.
“… first things first, how are you and where are you?”
Jason was too wary to answer the question. He paused then added “I’m sorry Mr Howard but … I’m not interested in light conversation and … I don’t really intend answering questions. If you have something to say then … say it … otherwise ... ”
“Very well as you wish … I represent a client … In the interests of my client I would like a meeting in which I could present certain conditions for you to consider at significant financial gain to yourself.”
“A sponsor?”
“Not exactly ... no … more an agreement … or if you prefer … an arrangement.”
“An arrangement?”
“Yes, but, I do think a meeting is advisable so we can continue this discussion privately face to face.”
“I see … and if I decide not to attend a meeting?”
“Oh I would suggest this meeting would be considerably worthwhile and in your best interests.”
“but … if I don’t attend.”
“That’s not something I can speculate about.”
“… If I do attend then when and where would such a meeting take place?”
“Well … I do know you are in the USA.”
How would he know that thought Jason!
“… and we have offices in Washington, New York, Miami, Houston and LA. So it could be at any of those … or perhaps a location of your own choosing.”
“I will think about it and let you know by Friday.”
“Till Friday then!”

The second message didn’t permit a call back number. Jason played it back somewhat disturbed by its content.
A soft voice almost a whisper began “Please … please … I beg of you don’t listen to them. Stay away … for your own sake … stay away” and then ended as quickly as it began.

The third message was different again!
“Jason I am so glad to have found you. I think I am your aunt and can’t wait to welcome you into our family. It’s such good news I can barely wait to share it. Please call me.”

He toyed with the idea of calling, but, instead put his phone away and dialed Brennan to talk about what he might do next.

Re: Potential

Later that evening Alex listened as Jason brought him up to date on the content of his calls. “Okay” offered Alex hesitantly. “I can’t say I understand what is going on … but … I think … that you’re the only one who can decide … whatever you do I am behind you.”
“Behind me huh!” laughed Jason.
Alex grinned at the joke, “No, seriously … I’ll support you no matter what!” A comment that made them both laugh again.
“The thing is” Jason offered “I am happy right now … more than I ever thought possible. Do I really want to risk that? You and me … that’s more important to me than anything.”

“I don’t think you would be risking that.”
“Maybe not … but would I even consider risking anything? Why would I?”
Alex looked at Jason and understood he was very serious he chose his reply carefully

“Do you think … I would let you?” He replied tenderly “that is important to me too.”

Alex continued “I can only speak for myself … the day I found out I was really Alex Jackson was the second best day of my life. When I found out who I was, who my father was … it just seemed to fall into place, everything clicked and there weren’t any lies ... no more shame. I like being Alex Jackson. Looking back on it I’m glad I found out. Alex Jackson is a better person than Alex Perry ever was and yet it is still me and somehow Alex Perry will always be somewhere inside me. I loved my mother and I love my father even though I never got the chance to meet him. If he hadn’t been someone so special I would have wanted to know who he was. I still have an intense dislike for the man I thought was my father … for how he treated my mother mainly … but me too. So I know I am never going back there. It’s who I am … both Alex Perry and Alex Jackson … being both or just the same one doesn’t matter too much. When I left and went out on my own a lot of good things happened to me … maybe I was lucky … I changed a lot but still know I am the same person and have lots of reminders of that … I could say take me as I am but for some reason you already do … but you’re not me … so maybe it’s different for you. That’s why I am saying whatever you decide I am here for you no matter what you choose and however things go. Maybe it’s time for you to … let me.”
Jason looked at Alex as his eyes betrayed his feelings.
Alex got in first and smiled as he said “you want to know what was first don’t you?”
Jason nodded with his face somewhat full of emotion.
Alex laughed “I should say that it is a story for another day.”
“OK” whispered Jason whose eyes were suddenly downcast.
“No!” countered Alex abruptly as Jason’s golden eyes peeked up again “… the best day of my life? Jason … you were right about me … I was always holding out on you … I did love you but kept holding back because I still felt some love for Paul and felt I owed it to him … I know that I lost you because of it … but, it was Paul who encouraged me to wake up to myself and go get you back … so we went to Australia in the hope I could talk you into a second chance … and the best day …” Alex’s intense blue eyes became a sea of emotion as the words tumbled from his heart … “it was the day I held you in my arms in a Sydney hotel room and I finally got to tell you how much I loved you and meant every word. That moment is with me forever.”
Jason sprung off his seat and into Alex’s arms in a tight embrace.
Relaxing a little Jason asked “so when do we go find out what’s happening?”
“My courses are full on right now … but … I am catching up … maybe a week … like, are you sure you would want me about?”
Jason smiled then added “we do this together or not at all.”
“Then how? … and where?”
“Hmm well … I’ve never been to New York … have you?”
“No.”
“New York it is then.”

Re: Potential

“It’s not too late to change my mind is it?” queried Jason as he scanned through a rack of shirts on coat hangers for something that would catch his eye.

“Not again, Jason” replied Alex “we’ve been through this a hundred times already. Whatever comes up doesn’t matter … Ok! … This one looks good … what do you think” he queried as he held a deep blue shirt under his chin.

“Looks great we should get that one!”

“I’ve already got two.”

“So … make it three … I’m paying anyway.”

“I could put one back offered Alex.”

“No … you need some shirts for when you start work, we’ll take them all!

“What about you … we should get something for you too.”

“I might look over there for some jeans.”

“That’s the kids section Jason.”

“So …”

“You’re kidding right!”

“Sometimes they fit better, that’s all.”

“Hold on what about this one? Muttered Alex again as he held up another shirt.

“Yeah get that one too. …. Things could change though … couldn’t they …”

“Only if we want them too … relax … I’ve never seen you so nervous.”

“How much time have we got?”

“You asked me that two minutes ago and we have another 30 minutes.”

“When should we go then?”

“It’s only across the street, there’s no point in being too early.”

“I’ve had enough …let’s get these now and go find a place for a coffee.”

Alex produced his dazzling smile knowing very well that Jason’s anxiety had to be humoured, even so coffee sounded better than the past hour of fidgeting.

Twenty five minutes later Jason and Alex sat in the waiting room outside John Howard’s legal office. Jason’s right leg bounced up and down as he tried unsuccessfully to control his nerves which contrasted with Alex’s calm relaxed manner.

A door opened followed by the appearance of the distinguished and experienced lawyer they were there to meet.

“Jason” he boomed in an overly friendly style “we meet at last” he continued as he held out his hand.

“Mr Howard” spluttered Jason, round eyed and almost as astonished as a kangaroo caught in the headlights of a car. “… this is Alex Jackson” he replied turning towards Alex.

“Mr Jackson” boomed the voice as he shook hands with Alex “are you a legal representative.”

Alex responded with a simple shake of his head and a quiet “no.”

“Ah fine … well then right this way” his voice boomed as they were ushered into a spacious office with generous windows, a great view and full of natural light.
With a generous wave of his arm John Howard indicated where Jason and Alex should sit. “First time in New York?” he queried.

Jason looked to Alex for support before responding with a “yes”, quickly followed by “What’s this all about, why am I here?”

“That Jason is a very good question! Why are you here?”

“I’m not sure … I mean there are things I don’t know … some answers maybe … but you’re the one who asked me here so maybe it’s you who should be explaining that to me.”

Mr Howard thought for a moment then began to speak “You present somewhat of a dilemma Jason … this discussion today could go lead to several outcomes … my client basically wants protection … I’ve been given some latitude to work on their behalf … to do so we would need to ascertain your intentions … I may be in a position to provide some assistance with answering your questions, however, it is how you use that information that could potentially become an issue for my client. My client is anxious that he or she is provided with some assurances. That is why you have been invited here … so that we can talk things through and reach a satisfactory resolution for all parties.”

Jason sat very still his face not betraying the turmoil he felt inside.

Mr Howard continued. “We are aware of recent difficulties and proceedings in Australia that could have a damaging effect here should they become known and connected. Your presence here is one such connection we would be anxious to avoid.”

“Me? I don’t understand. Jason froze unable to move, his face pale at the unexpected news.

“Let’s start this again Jason. Why are you here?”

Jason looked at Alex his face imploring him for help. “Alex … please!”

“Mr Howard” began Alex “Jason deserves to know who he is … I speak for him when I say he doesn’t need or want anything from anyone. He’s not after money, he doesn’t want to make life difficult for anyone … he only came here because I wanted him to. He needs to know how he came to be Jason Smyth … he knows something happened and because of that he had to make his own way in life …” Alex faulted a little as his emotion came to his throat “He … he’s … the most courageous person I’ve ever known. Help him Mr Howard … tell him what happened, tell him something about his real parents … help him to know who he is.”

Re: Potential

Hi everyone, I have not been around for a while - just enjoying life too much.
Thanks for all the fantastic messages. Particular thanks for all the people who have read my story from the beginning. It's a little epic these days don't you think.
Cheers to all from Michael

Re: Potential

Michael, always good to see you return. Glad you have been enjoying life and, it is never "too much." It's wonderful to have an update on Alex and Jason. Hopefully Mr. Howard will be able to calm Jason and give him the insight he needs to be a whole person. Alex has helped, but now it is time for some real answers. I really look forward to the next installment and clearing another mystery. Thanks, and continue your "too much enjoyment of life."

Re: Potential

Hi guys - all good here and enjoying life - plus the surf season has just started even though the water temp is really cold while the days are very hot and over 38 degrees (that's 100 degrees for you guys from usa). I've already done patrol once and water safety twice.
Anyways - I'm sorry for leaving this so long and allowing unfinished threads hanging - those of you who haven't given up on me might like to know where this part of the storyline is going. I guess the best way of figuring that out is to put up some "words" and let you be the judge.
Cheers to All from Michael

Re: Potential

“Thank you for being candid … however … my client requires protection and confidentiality. I accept that you want information and do not intend to use such information at this point in time … however … my client must be satisfied such information is never released ... not now and never in the future. As such my client requires a water tight agreement preventing you from using any information you might obtain. Should you be willing to undertake such an agreement then I am authorized to draw up a contract binding you to certain conditions. My client would also provide recompense of a considerable sum … the amount to be agreed upon through negotiations with me as the client’s representative I have already drawn up a list of conditions designed to protect my client … but … cannot proceed until there is an assurance you wish me to continue.

Neither Jason not Alex knew how to respond. Jason in particular could not speak at all. Alex looked at his stunned soul mate then summoned a response “thank you, Mr Howard, we don’t know what to make of this … we need time to think … would it be possible to give us 24 hours?”

Mr Howard breathed deeply then responded “24 hours then.”

Alex somehow steered Jason towards Central Park where they just walked and walked with little communication. Eventually he couldn’t stand it any longer and stepped in front of Jason ready to force a reaction from him.

“I know you’re upset!” he offered “… but this is getting to me! I can’t help if you won’t let me.”
Jason looked into Alex’s blue eyes and capitulated, he looked to the ground and simply said “I know … I’m sorry.”

“Do you want to know what I think?” said Alex feeling some of Jason’s pain.

“Ok”

“I think we should go home.”

Jason nodded “You’re right” he replied. “I … I just thought … I wanted to know … I wanted it so bad … it’s so close. They know it all and I know nothing! … but I have something better … I have you.”

Alex pulled Jason close and held him.

Later that night, after dinner in a nice restaurant, Alex led Jason across the hotel room to the king sized bed. He lifted Jason’s chin then caressed his lips with his own and allowed his tongue to gently create a union between them. Then he tenderly peeled Jason’s clothes off until he was completely naked and bathed in yellow light from the room lamps. He slowly moved his hands over Jason’s body coaxing pleasurable little gasps. He felt every muscle, sinew and bone as he explored the body he knew so well but taking time to touch the places he knew would draw the most response. Jason opened his legs in invitation and Alex hovered between them with his huge throbbing cock poised in anticipation. He slowly pushed his cock forward against Jason’s hole making it give way and entered Jason’s body. Once inside he moved slowly making love, sweetly and gently with all the tenderness he felt. “I love you Jason” he whispered, whilst Jason melted into oblivion feeling closer to Alex than ever before. Alex deliberately fucked slowly sensing a joining of their minds as well as their bodies, he knew he was helping Jason and didn’t want the moment to end. More than at any time in their lives were they so completely open and in love with each other. It felt so good to have his cock inside Jason and his cock began to send tantalizing signals that started to make Alex’s body convulse bringing on the moment of climax as Alex pushed his cock all the way inside allowing his seed to spurt deep inside Jason’s body. He lay on top of Jason his cock still inside and licked some of the salty tears that had run down from the corner of his eyes. Much later the morning sunlight would filter through sheer curtains to bless their naked bodies while Jason lay wide awake gazing at Alex’s perfection.

Re: Potential

Oh Michael, what an extreme pleasure to hear from you, knowing you are doing well and still remembering us with Jason and Alex's story. The curiosity will still remain, but with Alex at his side, he is truly a whole person. When such conditions are made as Mr. Howard stated, knowing the answers would do him very little. They would still remain a secret and mystery which would probably grow larger as time progressed. Looking forward to reading more soon.

Re: Potential

Jason reverted back to what he had done throughout his whole life – he blocked out the unpleasant and immersed himself in the combination of training and healthy eating. Weekends were for his body to recover but during the week his strict regime included early morning swims with alternating jogging or cycling then later in the day rotating sessions in the gym of core strength, upper body or lower body workouts. At first the sessions were light but grew in both time and intensity as his rested body adapted to the stress of hard exercise.

Meanwhile Alex had his final exams to complete then arrangements had to be finalized for his year in Australia and then a short road trip visit to Paul and Brennan followed by a week with Jerome. The final weeks of June were spent training alongside Jason even though it meant wearing the inevitable speedos and the continual feeling they were inadequate in hiding his bulging manhood – not that Jason seemed to mind!

Early July is winter in Australia but it didn’t seem like it. No snow, no frosty mornings and even the ocean seemed warm. Jason had made some changes to the house while he was away to make it eco-friendly with solar energy installed from panels on the roof, insulation in the walls and ceilings, and improved water access. There was also an extra bedroom and a clever new kitchen that looked like it was old. Their bedroom looked different too with more space for Alex than before and a draw full of different brands of speedos. Out the front and off to the right near the outdoor shower was a rectangular gazebo style building with a brand new hot tub. To Alex it looked almost the same but maybe a bit more up market – that plus its location made it feel exclusive. Alex commenced his internship year starting off at the Maxton Hospital. He joined a team of three for 6 months following which he would join a private practice for a further 6 months. He was holding his own joining in and completing some of Jason’s training sessions, which, prompted Jason to suggest he complete the Bronze Medalion course through the surf club that would result in him joining in regular patrols as a dinky-di(aussie lingo for true blue – the real thing) aussie life saver. He managed to avoid the wearing of his speedos in public – not however in private in which case he was enjoying the playful love making. Life was good and rolling along nicely.

Jason had finished both start-up training, an endurance block and was now working on shorter sprints in the lead up to the first event of the ironman season to be held 2 hours south on the beach in the city of Newcastle. His sponsors were paying ridiculously generous amounts for seemingly insignificant things. For example Jason wore a logo on his cap, a different logo on his T shirt, sponsor shorts and so on and the dollars kept adding up. Even before he returned from the States his bank account had multiplied many times over but now the money rolling in arrived in significant amounts. With the introduction of craft work to his training, emails, correspondence and managing finance Jason was adept at burying the thoughts associated with his heritage. However this would soon take an unexpected turn.

The event of significance was at a funeral. One of the older surf club members from the early days of the club had passed away in a retirement home. The current members held an honour guard as the coffin was wheeled out to the hearse and again at the local cemetery. The gravesite service ended following which most people drifted off to go in their own directions. Alex was on the periphery waiting patiently for Jason to finish a conversation when he noticed the huge hulking body of Corinne standing unusually on the wrong side of the graveyard, he watched her stoop and place a small posy of flowers up against a small cross. She stood for a while then did her own version of ethereally floating away back to her own waiting husband and into her car (ethereal not really being in her make up so perhaps it was more like thudding footsteps from a superheavyweight weightlifter with the ground shaking only slightly and the car bouncing to show its heavy duty suspension).

Jason bid his farewells then made his way over to Alex.
“Did you see Corinne” asked Alex.
“I did” answered Jason “and Pete, but neither of them spoke to me – that’s their problem not mine. I can’t say I am too worried about it.”
“No … but did you see what she did?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Well … you know how you told me she said you weren’t hers and that her baby died …”
“And?”
“She was just over there and placed some flowers.”
“And?”
“Ok … it’s probably nothing … but … I think we should go look! It seemed odd to me.”
“I’m over this Alex” replied Jason.
“Maybe you are but it can’t hurt to look can it?”
“Not so sure I want to.”
“I want to … I sense something - just humour me … ok!”
“Your call …”
Alex led the way over to the small cross with the posy of flowers. He crouched down to look at the card on the posy and his eyes widened as he read the inscription.
“Jason you really do need to read this!”
“Ok then …” Jason uttered somewhat impatiently – more out of being in a negative mind and not wanting to go down the track of any information that would drag up his anguish again.
“Don’t you see?”
“I do … but so what! We already knew or at least suspected her baby died this just proves it.”
“But … this is a marked grave … there will be records … if this is her baby … then … don’t you see?”
“Yes I do … it was her baby – it doesn’t shock me.”
“But … you took her baby’s name … so this baby … there will be a record … don’t you get it?”
Jason’s eyes flickered slightly at the implication.
“If we find out the name to this grave …”

The walk to the caretakers offices took only one minute - once there and having introduced himself Alex took charge making inquiries. The caretaker already knew the answer to the question - yet – followed correct protocol and located the records required. He then rattled off the details confirming that the body buried there was indeed a male child deceased on the exact date of Jason’s birth and gave the name as John Wilkes. He then declined to give further details as per protocol but kindly told Alex that there would be a public record in the department of Births, Deaths and Marriages where he could get a copy of the birth/death certificate. Then, as if he knew it was needed, added one anecdote – he remembered a big storm – more like a cyclone that drifted too far south – trees were down all over the place – ambulances and police couldn’t get through from town– it was when you were born young fella he nodded towards Jason – that little one was born that night too but his mom she was way out at Horseshoe Bay … and … she needed help that never came and that little one - he didn’t make it. The Doc was stretched too thin that night and couldn’t manage everything what with people injured, damage everywhere then her and your mother both having babies at the same time.”
“Did the mom die as well?” Alex asked.
“No … she was sick for a while then she left without a word just like when she came, she was here then she was gone.”
“Did you know her at all?”
“Didn’t know her … but she signed all the papers and paid the money … then left … never looked back.”

Alex took the lead as thought he was an investigative reporter. He followed up on the certificate from the registry office proudly presenting the document to Jason showing him the name of his mother but unknown as the name recorded for his father.

The following morning while Alex went to work, Jason determinedly knocked on the door of his parent’s house. Neither Pete nor Corinne knew what to say so Jason came right out with what he wanted. He produced the birth certificate record and added “take your time but I want to know and it has to be the truth” then he waited until someone spoke.
Corinne’s face was expressionless as her beady eyes seemed to lose focus as though she was in a trance. Pete began “Doc and I … we thought we were doing the right thing … your mother … she didn’t want her baby … she was so little … she never even looked at you … our baby … he … he never even took a breath … stillborn …Doc said he died before he came out and never had a chance.”
Corinne sobbed – it was the first time she had heard those words – she had been so out of it with medication at the time – but she had always known – she and Pete were blond with blue eyes – Jason looked nothing like them – she knew he wasn’t hers.
“Yes that’s her name on the certificate” added Pete. “What are you going to do now?”
“I have no idea” replied Jason “I just wanted the truth.”

Re: Potential

Michael,
A powerful chapter - I feel like I was reading it a mile a minute - a Km every 40 seconds or so.
My head is spinning from the change back to Jason's intense workout routine to the funeral and Corinne and the cemetery office and the records office and up to his parent's house . . . Wow.